I was pretty surprised when I heard Baker Boy had released a version of Bernard Fanning’s “Wish You Well”. But I should have known this wouldn’t be any karaoke cover. The Yolnu superstar has flipped the script here, bringing something new and very fresh to the Powderfinger frontman’s solo smash. Speaking of Bernard, he lends vocals to this incredibly cool new take.
“‘Wish You Well’ is a break-up track, but it’s all about spreading that love,” Baker Boy explained. “The original isn’t really usual for Baker Boy – that vibe. So I wanted to kind of make it into a story where I can also apply it differently and make it Yolŋu flavour. It’s not just in a romantic way, it’s about sharing the love – whether it’s your partner, whether it’s your friends or family … It’s also for the people that are having a hard time right now. I just wanted to spread some love through music.”
Bernard was also full of compliments for Baker Boy and his new version of “Wish You Well”.
“Baker Boy’s music is so full of energy and excitement that I was very happy to collaborate on a new take on ‘Wish You Well’,” he added. “I love the spirit of this new version and am so glad it’s taken such a different musical tack but maintained the buoyancy of the original. It’s the first time I’ve worked in this way, but I found it so easy because the ideas coming from Danzal and Pip [Norman, producer] were so good.”
After delighting crowds on his North American tour, Baker Boy is ready to play local shows. Catch him at Splendour in the Grass or one of his recently announced regional Victorian shows:
26 August 2022 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Bendigo (ALL AGES)
2 September 2022 – Memo Theatre, Wurundjeri Country, Healesville (ALL AGES)
3 September 2022 – Volta, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/ Ballarat (18+)
8 September 2022 – Westernport Hotel, Bunurong Country/San Remo (18+)
9 September 2022 – Pier Hotel, Bunurong Country/Frankston (18+)
10 September 2022 – Gippsland PAC, Traralgon (ALL AGES)
23 September 2022 – Lighthouse, Warrnambool (ALL AGES)
24 September 2022 – Riverlinks, Kanny-goopna/Shepparton (ALL AGES)
Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Charlie Ashfield